Ceremonial Hall, Malacañan Palace
October 27, 2023

“As you now prepare yourselves for the myriad challenges that lie ahead, let us all take pause and be reminded that coupled with these promotions are greater responsibilities and duties. These will strain and test the mettle of your character, integrity, loyalty, and professionalism in the fulfillment of your sacred duty of protecting and defending our people and nation,” said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as he administered the oath of office to the newly promoted Generals and Flag Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a ceremony at the Ceremonial Hall in Malacañan Palace.

During his keynote speech, President Marcos Jr. conveyed his expectation to the nation’s Armed Forces to perform their duty with qualities akin to the fundamental and core values of the service, such as strong character, utmost integrity, loyalty and professionalism.

“You must not only anticipate but you must also be ready to adapt and respond to emerging national security and defense realities that exist in our country and our region,” said the Commander-in-Chief, emphasizing the importance of their new role in ensuring defense and facing the security challenges of the country.

“While it is noteworthy that we see positive and encouraging developments in terms of our internal security situation, there remains much to be done. We must maintain our vigilance and guard against those actors—whatever nature or form these may take who would threaten and jeopardize the peace we have striven and fought for all these long years,” he added.

During the ceremony, President Marcos Jr. urged the newly promoted Generals and Flag Officers to further enhance joint planning and operations in order to ensure interoperability across all AFP units and platforms.

“Sustain and foster greater collaboration with other government agencies and civil society groups, harnessing their respective knowledge, specializations, and technical expertise in coming up with innovative, effective, and efficient solutions to challenges that stand in the way of achieving greater peace and unity,” he ordered.

Furthermore, President Marcos Jr. expressed his gratitude to the families of the newly promoted AFP officers, acknowledging their selflessness and sacrifice in supporting their loved ones’ service to the nation.

Concluding his remarks, the Commander-in-Chief reassured them of the Administration’s strong commitment to the protection and welfare of all those in service, and reiterated its unwavering resolve to continue providing them with the necessary tools to fulfill their duty.

“Join me and our nation as we, together, march forward in unison towards that future that is filled with hope, pride, and unbound opportunities for all Filipinos,” the President ended in his message.

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